Romania

The Romanian patent market gives plenty of cause for optimism: growth continues to be slow but steady, while interest in intellectual property remains on the ascendant. There has also been a noticeable uptick in patent litigation in recent years. Although there have been no dramatic legislative or administrative shake-ups, the previous director of the patent division of the patent and trademark office was recently promoted to general director – another reason why the long-term prospects look bright.

Firms: prosecution

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Cabinet Enpora

Cabinet M Oproiu Patent & Trademark Attorneys

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen

PETOŠEVIĆ SRL

Rominvent SA

Cabinet Enpora

Speedy, cost-efficient prosecution fuels the patent practice at Cabinet Enpora. Its no-stone-unturned search and registration capabilities are fully comprehensive, with no technical discipline outside its bailiwick. The all-round IP set is also adept at securing protection for rights beyond national borders and has a keen understanding of how things get done at the European Patent Office and in Patent Cooperation Treaty filings. Founding partner Virginia-Daisy Pop is the name to note here.

Cabinet M Oproiu Patent & Trademark Attorneys

Cabinet M Oproiu has honed its versatile patent services to the nth degree. A fine-tuned filing machine, “it is one of the leading and most eminent firms in IP prosecution”. The boutique’s diverse scientific know-how translates into an all-encompassing IP service, which ranges from the acquisition of supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) to the defence of patent rights in cancellation and infringement actions. All of this falls under managing partner MargaretaOproiu’s domain; physics, chemistry and biotechnology are her metiers.

Milcev Burbea & IP & Law Office

“Very solutions oriented, with great commercial acumen and a thorough knowledge of legislation, case law and legal literature, both domestic and international”, is the client verdict on Milcev Burbea. “It can successfully handle IP registrations, monitoring and enforcement, complex negotiations and more.” Its “highly professional team” is “serious and ambitious and invests time, effort and passion into each case, so you are always provided with accurate information”. The firm’s namesakes, Gabriela Milcev and Iulia Burbea, attract the warmest plaudits: “Both of them are extremely diligent and a pleasure to collaborate with.” Milcev is “an excellent lawyer who is dedicated to her work and pays close attention to detail. She is a convincing communicator and is always focused on obtaining the best possible results”. “Outstanding professional” Burbea “has a great reputation, a strong academic background and a wealth of IP expertise”.

Muşat & Asociatii

Commercial outfit Muşat & Asociatii is a highly active player on the IP scene. Harbouring over a quarter-century’s worth of legal and business know-how, it has a sophisticated understanding of the commercial value and potential of key IP assets, making it a perennial favourite of high-powered corporations with large portfolios. It shines on international IP acquisition, implementation and transactions, but is also “a worthy contender in patent litigation”. Contentious spats, particularly in the pharmaceutical arena, are meat and drink to IP division head Anca Buta Muşat.

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen

“An extremely important player for both patent prosecution and litigation”, Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen enjoys a unique position on the Romanian IP market: it is the only full-service firm with in-house patent and trademark attorneys at its disposal, and its presence in the life sciences domain is virtually unmatched. Lately, it has been guiding top pharmaceutical companies – including Zentiva, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Stada Arzneimittel – through the legal maze in preparation for the launch of new generic drugs. IAM Patent 1000 debutante Adina Badarau spearheaded this endeavour. The senior patent attorney makes a formidable drafter on all things chemistry. Her work is overseen by squad leader Ana-Maria Baciu, who specialises in safeguarding the interests of major drugs companies in nail-biting disputes; she recently helped Zentiva to deflect numerous infringement claims in preliminary injunction proceedings brought by Novartis. “Tough litigator” Sorina Olaru provided invaluable support on the case; she also regularly features before domestic and international arbitration panels.

PETOŠEVIĆ SRL

The foundation stone of the firm’s 15-strong office network, PETOŠEVIĆ’s Romanian branch serves as the nerve centre of its extensive Eastern European operations. The regional powerhouse makes for an able running mate on all cross-border IP issues and is the astute manager of myriad international portfolios. A particularly potent force on the non-contentious front, it knows what it takes to shepherd patent filings to grant both before the Romanian patent office and in other European territories. One satisfied client reports: “Its work output is great, its translations are accurate and applications are filed in a timely manner.” Aura Campeanu directs the team here with acuity and poise. She is a polished combination of legal and technical nous and is qualified in virtually all areas of intellectual property, so no instruction is too obscure or difficult for her.

Răzvan Dincă & Asociaţii

“A pleasure to deal with”, Răzvan Dincă & Asociaţii “is one of the most prominent firms on the market and among the best”. “Reliable, accurate and timely, its practitioners are all experts of their respective fields.” Pharmaceuticals, tobacco and energy are happy hunting grounds for the esteemed ensemble, which has developed a reputation for its deft handling of high-stake suits. The eponymous Răzvan Dincă is “an exceptional practitioner” and “one of the best IP professionals – and litigators – in the field”. “He serves as a professor of IP law at the University of Bucharest and possesses a mix of theoretical and practical knowledge that makes him a standout in this discipline.” Irina Speciac puts in dazzling performances in the courtroom; the life sciences maven has a flair for devising bulletproof offensive and defensive strategies.

Rominvent SA

“Rominvent is the largest and oldest player in Romania, and it possesses a skilled, discerning and professional team of practitioners.” However, far from resting on its laurels, “it is still the most widely known patent prosecution shop today.” The “highly experienced” Oana Boncea is the driving force behind the patent practice. A dual-qualified Romanian and European patent attorney, she is skilled across the board and “an outstanding professional in this field”.

STOICA & Asociatii

“One of the best Romanian law firms generally, STOICA & Asociatii has a particularly robust patent group.” With its versatile capabilities, it can make light work of every mandate under the sun, from the drafting of intricate patent applications to the smooth negotiation of IP-rich deals. Dragoş Bogdan is intimately familiar with both domestic and foreign legal procedures. “A former judge, he is an extremely experienced and insightful professional, especially when it comes to litigation.” Managing partner Valeriu Stoica has “a fantastic track record in patent contentious cases”.

Turcu & Turcu

“Turcu & Turcu is one of the finest IP outfits in the country.” Although best known for its sterling trademark practice, it also makes waves on the patent front. “Excellent in patent litigation”, it is a staunch defender of IP rights, especially in disputes that revolve around pharmaceutical issues. Gabriel Nicolae Turcu leads the crew here with verve. One peer avers: “He runs a very strong patent practice and is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable IP lawyers on the market. There is simply no debate about his abilities.”

VILAU | ASSOCIATES has flourished since opening its doors in 2014. An instant hit with international clients from all corners of the globe, it has rapidly made a name for itself on the patent scene. “Its level of service is exceedingly high, and it is filled with people who are extremely entrepreneurial and understand the business and practice of law. In a challenging legal environment, they know what works and, more importantly, how to make it work quickly.” The set hit the headlines last year when it secured a staggering 13 consecutive victories for FORM Holdings Corp, which led to a highly publicised worldwide settlement with ZTE worth $21.5 million. Department head Dragos Vilau helped to mastermind the case. “He is somebody who really gets the client’s perspective and, unlike many other lawyers, doesn’t get lost in the legal arcana. He understands that the law is a tool to achieve a particular need and he does this as efficiently as possible. He is also very communicative and a joy to work with. He would be a top performer at any leading law firm in the world.”

Zamfirescu Racoti & Partners Attorneys at Law

Business outfit Zamfirescu Racoti & Partners has cultivated a substantial IP practice that comes steeped in commercial savvy. Renowned for its contentious prowess, it has an assured grasp of life sciences issues and regularly fights the corner of blockbuster drugs companies; however, it is fully capable across a wide array of industries, from oil and gas to healthcare and food. SPCs have been a particular area of focus of late. Recently minted partner Alina Tugearu coordinates the IP practice; the talented trademark and patent litigator is also a respected international arbitrator. Cosmin Vasile is likewise proficient in all manner of dispute resolution techniques, and knows how best to obtain favourable outcomes in all situations. Calin-Andrei Zamfirescu completes this crack contentious trio; he has tackled more than 10,000 commercial and civil cases over a glittering career spanning almost 40 years.

Other recommended experts

Independent practitioner Ileana-Maria Florea is an authority on Romanian and European patent law. “Well versed in both litigation and prosecution, she is an expert of the pharmaceutical field.” Lupsa & Associates’ Ionut Lupsa runs “an experienced and fine-tuned IP practice”. The contentious sharpshooter relishes the challenges of multi-layered local and cross-border suits. IP litigation and arbitration are the focal points of Lucian Mihai’s practice. He has also served as a professor of IP law at the University of Bucharest for over three decades. He operates out of Radu Tărăcilă Pădurari Retevoescu, in association with Allen & Overy. Mihaela Teodorescu is “a really prominent practitioner on the IP scene” and “one of the top names for patent prosecution”. The former chemical engineer is the founding partner of Mihaela Teodorescu & Partners.